I am trying to think of ways to clean up the rear of my 2012 Overland V6 and I remember seeing pictures of the WK2 before it was actually released for 2011. All the pre-release autoshow vehicles had a real clean looking back end with no trailer hitch and fancier dual exhaust tips.
I know this may sound weird to some of you, but would removing my rear trailer hitch and replacing it with the black trim piece without the hitch cutout be something relatively easy to accomplish? I have never needed to tow something in my 16 years of driving so far, and dont anticipate I will ever need to. So not only will I save my Overland a little weight, but I can clean up the back end at the same time.
Is the rear plastic piece something I can order? And is the rear hitch easily removable if I decide to do it? I havent looked yet.
I may or may not go with the dual exhaust look since I have the V6. I may just keep it simple and leave the exhaust as is we will see. I do LOVE these thicker rolled exhaust tips though.

Here is basically the look I want. Check out those exhaust tips and how clean it looks without the hitch.

You need to buy a new plastic piece for the rear since they cut into it to add the hitch. The hitch comes off with the removal of 6 bolts or so but the wiring harness is a bit more then that. You could sell the hitch and it most likely will cover the cost of the new plastics piece. Or just trad the cut piece with the hitch for someone that wants it but has the straight plastic piece.

You will need to buy a new lower section piece with the dual exhaust cut-outs anyway. Yes, the hit comes off fairly easy. You do have to remove the entire rear bumper cover to do it (upper and lower). Here are the instructions for installation, just reverse for removal. You will have to see if the dealer can get you the OEM cover to protect the trailer wiring plug from moisture.

I understand you can order the SRT8 exhaust tips now. I also understand that the factory 5.7 Hemi exhaust is pretty much a bolt-up to the 3.6L with a few extra parts. Search the forums for those that have done it, they have a full list of parts including hangers and trim pieces required.

I believe you will miss your hitch. I use mine all the time for a utility trailer, U-Haul to help the kids and a bike rack. There are other attachments like hitch-mounted cargo haulers as well.

The towing package is $595 for the 3.6L GC, and I would believe that is how much trade-in value you will lose if you remove it. I believe most people want the feature on a GC. It's too bad that Jeep does not make a snap on/off hitch cover that covers the entire opening, like GM does for the GMC Acadia and Cadillac SUV's.

Thanks for the info. I agree that would be really nice if they made a cover like some of the GM SUV's. I just really like the clean look without it and like I said I have never once had to tow anything. Either way I would likely keep the hitch for when the time comes to sell the Jeep.
Its good to know this mod is doable and pretty much bolt on incase I ever want to return it back to the way it came stock. I will do some searching and see what I can come up with.

The video in this thread shows an export Overland without the trailer hitch. The OP was showcasing his new exhaust, but the filler panel in place of the trailer hitch was the first thing that caught my eye:

Exactly why I ordered mine without a hitch. Hitches get so ugly after a couple yrs when they start rusting. I don't tow plus have one on my truck if I ever do..

gaidin43

04-25-2012 09:40 AM

I just use some matte spray paint (rustolim) or whatever if it ever starts to rust out.

A v8 jeep is actually a pretty capable towing vehicle for those of us that had to give up their trucks. The funny thing is the jeep Hemi is bigger then my 2009 silverado's engine. Granted the transmission is geared differently and the rear leveling load suspension is another package option (what does this include? Another rear spring?)